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HSK AND YCT TEST

Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) FAQs

WHAT IS IT?

The HSK test was launched by Hanban in an effort to better serve Chinese language
learners. The new HSK is an international standardized exam that tests and rates Chinese
language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese speakers’ abilities in using
the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives. The test is
the result of coordinated efforts by the experts from different disciplines including
Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF TAKING THE HSK?

The new HSK retains the former HSK’s orientation as a general (or universal) Chinese
language abilities test for adult learners. The results of the test can serve several
purposes:

A reference for an educational institution’s decision-making concerning recruiting
students, assigning students to different classes, allowing students to skip certain
courses and giving students academic credits.

A reference for employers’ decision-making concerning the recruitment, training and
promotion of test takers.

A method for Chinese language learners to assess and improve their proficiency in
Chinese.

Test-takers will receive a certificate of their results issued by Hanban within three
weeks after the test.

WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE HSK?

The new HSK consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent
of each other. There are six levels of writing tests, namely the HSK (level I), HSK
(level II), HSK (level III), HSK (level IV), HSK (level V), and HSK (level VI). There
are three levels of speaking tests, namely the HSK (beginner level), HSK (intermediate
level), and HSK (advanced level). During the speaking test, test takers’ speeches
will be recorded.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF THE TEST?

The different levels of the new HSK are similar to some of the levels in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF); details are as follows:

Test takers who are able to pass the HSK:

Level I can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication
and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.

Level II have an excellent grasp of basic Chinese and can communicate in simple and routine
tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine
matters.

Level III can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional
lives. They can manage most communication in Chinese when travelling in China.

Level IV can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently
with native Chinese speakers.

Level V can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays, and give
a full-length speech in Chinese.

Level VI can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectively
express themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper.

HOW DO YOU REGISTER FOR THE HSK?

Log onto www.chinesetest.cn in order to register for the HSK. If you are a first time user, please create an
account in order to proceed. If you already have an account, please use your username
and password to log in and then choose the test date and test center for your up next
test.

Youth Chinese Test (YCT) FAQs

WHAT IS IT?

The YCT test was launched by Hanban in an effort to encourage foreign young students
to learn Chinese and improve their Chinese language proficiency. The new YCT aims
to improve Chinese language learners’ self-confidence and follows the principle of
“test-teaching correlation”. The design of the test is based on current trends in
international Chinese language training and is closely related to textbook learning
procedures. As part of this effort, Hanban has organized experts from different disciplines
such as Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement
to work on the program, conducting surveys in order to understand the latest trends
in overseas Chinese language teaching and learning.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF TAKING THE YCT?

The YCT is intended for students whose mother tongue is not Chinese. The results of
the test can serve various purposes:

A method for Chinese language learners to assess and improve their proficiency in
Chinese.

Test-takers will receive a certificate of their results issued by Hanban within three
weeks after the test.

WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE YCT?

The new YCT is an international standardized test of Chinese language proficiency.
It assesses young foreign students' abilities to use Chinese in their daily and academic
lives. The new YCT consists of a writing test and a speaking test, which are independent
of each other. The writing test is divided into four levels, namely, the YCT (level
I), YCT (level II), YCT (level III), and YCT (level IV). The speaking test is divided
into the YCT (Beginner Level) and YCT (Intermediate Level).

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF THE TEST?

The different levels of the new YCT are similar to some of the levels in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF); details are as follows:

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Test takers who are able to pass the YCT:

Level I can understand and use some of the most common Chinese phrases and sentences and
possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.

Level II can understand and use some simple Chinese phrases and sentences and cope with basic
level communications.

Level III can communicate on familiar daily topics in a simple manner.

Level IV can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic and professional
lives. When travelling in China, they can manage most forms of communication in Chinese.

HOW DO YOU REGISTER FOR THE YCT?

Log onto www.chinesetest.cn in order to register for the YCT. If you are a first time user, please create an
account in order to proceed. If you already have an account, please use your username
and password to log in and then choose the test date and test center for your up next
test.

HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) and YCT (Youth Chinese Test)

1. REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT FOR THE TEST

If online registration is not available at the selected test center, you can go to
the test center to complete on-site registration and payment.